An NIU fraternity will host the third annual Golden Image Awards Ceremony on May 4.

The ceremony will be held in the Holmes Student Center Duke Ellington Ballroom at 8 p.m. and is presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

“It is an awards ceremony which recognizes minority individuals and organizations which have contributed to the community in a positive aspect,” said Roland Perez, Alpha Phi Alpha public relations co-chairman.

Perez said the organization does not restrict the awards to minorities.

“People are not usually recognized for their achievements; therefore, we brought the awards about in order to extend our gratitude and for them to continue to strive for excellence,” said John Quilico, Alpha Phi Alpha public relations chairman.

The ceremony is open to the public. The cost is $4 per person or $7 per couple. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Awards will be given to the best up-and-coming student leader, best male and female student leader, best student administrator, best adviser to a student organization and best adviser for minority interest.

Other male and female categories include: most outstanding athlete, most artistically talented student and several other awards.

“The Golden Sphinx award is our highest honor. It is a male award for the person who signifies academic excellence, community service and leadership,” Quilico said.

Last year’s Golden Sphinx recipient was Dave Shmidt, director of the Wesley Foundation, Quilico said.

Alpha Phi Alpha has chosen the faculty award winners and has nominated students for the other categories. Students and faculty are encouraged to vote for the nominees, Perez said.

Balloting and ticket sales are Monday through Wednesday in the Pow Wow and April 27 and May 1-2 in DuSable Hall.

The award will be a glass pyramid, symbolic of the fraternity’s origin and history, Quilico said.

Funding for the awards come from advertisements placed in the program books.